The Pleasure of Picnics

When I moved to Brooklyn, it was in summer, and one of the most exciting things for me was that we’d go to Prospect Park and have great picnics – sometimes with live music or theatre, and sometimes with nothing but great company.

There was something classically ageless and eternally romantic about going on a picnic. Perhaps it’s the paraphernalia: I loved getting the picnic basket ready. Granted, having a basket is not necessary; still, it was fun to engage in an Edwardian fantasy about it. I’ve always loved the idea of a fancy picnic.

Our picnics were legendary and, while we might not bring real china all the time (we had matching wicker plate holders for the paper or fancy-looking plastic plates), we did bring sterling silver and wine glasses. In terms of foods, we rarely had sandwiches, but relied on a variety of cheeses and smoked meats, pates and olives. We’d have crackers and chips and pieces of bread. Different breads…

Prepared foods usually included small salads, quiches, and lots of fresh produce. Of course, there would be wine. We’d bring fruit to nosh on, and Mom always made a lovely dessert. 

There’s just something so darn civilized about a picnic – lounging al fresco. We have picnicked across New York City, upstate, throughout New England, and in Montreal; each occasion a perfect postcard in my mind.

A few years back, there was a local company that delivered packaged picnics where ever you wanted, and even offered butler-serviced affairs. Certainly New York City has dozens of picturesque spots for picnics (romantic or not).

The food must travel well, because presentation still counts. Of course, you can have a picnic in your own living room, if it fancies you. You can do it in the middle of a snowstorm and pretend it is late spring, if it helps you keep your sanity.

To us, a picnic is a communal practice to share food and hang out. It can be as simple or as sophisticated as you wish. You can make a theme and have fun with it. The essence of it will always be food, sharing, and the great outdoors (and you can fake that part).

Picnics are, much like tea parties, the stuff of memories. (You know, true Instagram moments!) You should plan a picnic and go on one, at least once in a lifetime.

Check out the picnic recipe collections in the new Pinterest board (including low carb, gluten-free, Paleo, dairy free, vegan and vegetarian ideas). The collections include small and large gatherings, romantic get-togethers, and outings with kids. And just for good measure, there are a couple of winter picnic collections too!

https://www.pinterest.com/amapolapress/food-goddess-picnic/